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Assembly Build Process

Assembly Build Process

Sun's Assembly Build Process allows you to configure a cartridge and manifold, or main stage and pilot stage cartridge, and build a digital assembly in three dimensional space. The resulting output of this process is the assembly product page, including configuration-specific images, symbols, product information and CAD files for download.

The Assembly Build Process can be accessed from either a cartridge or manifold product page. Only valid choices are allowed.

From a manifold page, you must first choose your cartridge function. Once you choose your function, click on the BUILD ASSEMBLY button below the WHERE TO BUY BUTTON. Once clicked, you will be presented with valid cartridges for your manifold. Select the cartridge of your choice and follow the instructions at the top of the page. If your particular combination has been generated before, the resulting assembly page will be available immediately. If not, you will be asked to enter your email address. Once the page is complete, an email will be sent to you including a link to the assembly product page.

From a cartridge product page, click on BUILD ASSEMBLY and you will be presented with a listing of compatible manifolds. In the case of main stage and pilot stage cartridges, you can either build a cartridge to cartridge assembly or a cartridge to manifold assembly. Once your choice has been made, follow the instructions at the top of the page. If your particular combination has been generated before, the resulting assembly page will be available immediately. If not, you will be asked to enter your email address. Once the page is complete, an email will be sent to you including a link to the assembly product page.

Please note that the Assembly Build Process is an automated process. It can be utilized at any time. Pages are generated typically within minutes but delays can occasionally be expected. In the event of a delay, a team at Sun will work to resolve the issue to ensure you receive your information as quickly as possible.

This manifold is designed to be used with solenoid operated and electro-proportional cartridges. It incorporates extra material around the cavity to provide coil clearance along with the spotface needed for Sun's weatherized coil.

To increase corrosion resistance. Sun uses 6061-T651 aluminum. It is one of the most corrosion resistant aluminum alloys there is. Whether or not anodizing improves the corrosion resistance of 6061 aluminum is debatable. We have yet to have a manifold returned because of corrosion.

Appearance (color). The 2 colors that would appeal to Sun would be blue or black. Unfortunately these are the colors that are hardest to do consistently.

To provide a hard wear surface. Sun does not make parts-in-body valves. The manifold is just plumbing. We don't need a wear surface.

Because everyone else does it. Bad reason.

Reasons to not anodize:

Cost. It's another process.

Logistics. When you make tens of thousands of manifolds a month and you anodize hundreds, it's a problem. Consistency. See above.

Stamping. After a body is anodized you cannot do any more stamping without making a mess.Inspection. Have you ever tried to look for burrs in a black anodized body? It's the old blackboard factory at night scenario.

Torque. You will experience an increase in breakaway torque when removing items from an anodized manifold.

Fatigue life. This is the best reason to not anodize. Fatigue failure is a very complex phenomenon. What it takes to initiate a crack is difficult to predict. What it takes to propagate a crack is readily defined. Anodizing produces a very thin, very hard, and very brittle surface on aluminum. The first time you pressurize an anodized aluminum manifold you have initiated fatigue cracks. Whether or not the stress is enough to propagate the cracks is a matter of pressure and manifold geometry. Anodizing an aluminum manifold grossly reduces the fatigue life by anywhere from 20% to 50%.

Important: Carefully consider the maximum system pressure. The pressure rating of the manifold is dependent on the manifold material, with the port type/size a secondary consideration. Manifolds constructed of aluminum are not rated for pressures higher than 3000 psi (210 bar), regardless of the port type/size specified.